Condensed 

Parliamentary Rules 

BY 

C. ANTOINETTE WOOD. 



BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 
1915 













Condensed 


Parliamentary Rules 


C. ANTOINETTE WOOD. 


BOSTON. MASSACHUSETTS 
1915 


BLACK FRAME INDICATES DEBATABLE MOTIONS 



JUN 30 1915 


©CI,A401598 




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“Parliamentary Law Charts are a necessity for the most approved 
method of teaching Parliamentary Law/’ — H. M. Robert. 


The words Parliamentary Law sound formidible; but a short study of this simple 
chart will enable a novice to preside, with ease, over any deliberative assembly and 
to take an understanding part in its proceedings. 

The house plan enables the presiding officer and members to comprehend, at a 
glance, the relative value and precedence of motions, with their division into four classes, 
viz.: Main, Subsidiary, Incidental and Privileged. Each motion numbered in the 
chart takes precedence over those of a lower and yields to those of a higher number. 
The last proposed motion must be voted on first. 

Motions are made, changed and improved by building up, as one would build a 
house. The foundation of all motions is the Main Motion, which, though it is the most 
important, is the lowest in rank, because it yields to every other motion. We will 
commence to build with this motion, as all the superstructure of Parliamentary Law is 
built on this foundation. 


INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT. 

Before we build, a member may question the usefulness of this plan and move 
Indefinite Postponement. If this motion prevails, we dispense with the proposed 
foundation and begin again. 


AMENDMENT. PLANK 3. 

The structure may be changed or improved by moving an Amendment to the 
Main Motion. 


AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDMENT 

This motion is placed in the space with the Amendment, as it can be applied to 
no other motion. It is used to strengthen weak spots in plank 3 before its acceptance. 


TO REFER TO A COMMITTEE. PLANK 4. 

This motion may be made to allow time for a more thorough inspection of the 
foundation before it is accepted. 

TO POSTPONE TO A DEFINITE TIME. PLANK 5. 

If this motion pervails, the consideration of the question is simply deferred to a 
more convenient date. 

THE PREVIOUS QUESTION. PLANK 6. 

This motion is used to close debate. It cannot be amended or debated. It may 
be ordered on one or all of the pending questions. 

TO LAY ON THE TABLE. PLANK 7. 

This is the highest of the Subsidiary Motions. It may be applied to all debatable 
motions; and simply postpones the question until a later time at the same meeting, 
or at the next regular meeting, when a motion must be made to take it from the table 
or the original question is lost. 


INCIDENTAL MOTIONS. 

The upright boards above plank 7 represent motions which are incidental to all 
questions that come before the assembly. They take precedence of the Main and 
Subsidiary Motions; but yield to the Privileged Motions; they have no order of value 
among themselves except that a Question of Order preceeds all questions from which 
it arises. 

THE ROOF. 

The roof represents the Privileged Motions, which are the highest class of motions, 
and which take precedence of the lower numbers in order of rank. 

CALL FOR ORDERS OF THE DAY. NO. 8. 

This motion is used only if the regular order of business is departed from and if 
no other motion is pending. It requires no second. The Chair is compelled to pro¬ 
ceed with the regular order or put the question to vote. 

QUESTIONS OF PRIVILEGE. NO. 9. 

These questions relate to the rights and comforts of the assembly in session. They 
take precedence of the motions below in rank and yield to those above. 

TO TAKE RECESS. NO. 10. 

This motion simply calls for an intermission in the same meeting. It takes effect 
immediately and can only be amended in regard to time. 

TO ADJOURN. NO. 11. 

This motion is in order at anv time when the assembly is not engaged in voting 
and no one is speaking. If the club has a stated time and place to which to adjourn 
and the business is finished, the Chair may simply announce “The meeting stands 
adjourned until next — at — o’clock." 

TO FIX TIME AND PLACE TO WHICH TO ADJOURN. NO. 12. 

This motion is in order only when the time and place are not decided. It can be 
debated, if no other question is pending. * 

MOTIONS. 

All business is brought before the assembly, for its consideration, either by a 
motion or a communication. When the proposition is made by a member, it is called 
“a motion;" when it is stated by the chair, it is termed “a question," and when it is 
adopted, it becomes an order, or re^ution of the assembly. A motion and a resolution 
have the same meaning, but a long or involved motion is usual^ presented in writing 
beginning with the word “Resolved." 

MAIN MOTIONS. 

The Main Motion yields to all other motions while pending, and, though it is 
usually disposed of in the simplest manner, it is desirable to understand the proper 
methods of modifying, enlarging, postponing or suppressing it entirely. 


*In the last revision Congress omitted this motion from pri\’ileged motions; but H. M. Robert tells 
us that, in ordinary assemblies its usefulness outweighs the harm that may be done^ by its improper use. 


The member must gain possession of the floor in order to make a motion. He rises 
saying: “Mr.” (or “Madam) President,” and when recognized by the chair, continues: 
“I move that we build a new club house on the old site not to cost over fifty thousand 
dollars,” or “I move the adoption of the following resolution: Resolved that we build 
a new club house, etc.” The chair states the motion thus: “It has been moved and 
seconded that we build a new club house on the old site not to cost more than fift}’^ 
thousand dollars. Are you ready for the question?” This is asked to allow time for 
debate, or to apply any higher motion. If there is nothing offered, and debate has 
ceased, the chair rises and puts the question to vote saying: “The question is on the 
adoption of the motion (repeats it), All in favor say aye; opposed, say, no; The result 
is announced as “The ayes have it and the motion is adopted (or carried.)” or “the noes 
have it and the motion is lost.” If the motion is put in the form of a resolution it is 
stated thus: “The question is on the adoption of the following resolution,” (which he 
reads); announcing the result thus: “The ayes have it and the resolution is adopted.” 
If there is any doubt regarding the result, the chair, or any member, may call for a rising 
vote; if so, the President says: “Those in favor of the motion will rise: be seated. 
Those opposed will rise.” The result will be stated as before. 


SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS. 

These motions are employed to improve the Main Motion and make it conform to 
the wishes of a larger number; they must be decided before the question to which they 
are applied. After they have been made, in order of rank going up and voted on 
coming down to the Main Motion, other modifying motions may be made before the 
original one is accepted. 


INDEFINITE POSTPONEMENT. 

The object of this motion is not postponement but entire rejection. It Ls made 
by one who disapproves and does not wish to risk a vote. If adopted the original 
motion cannot be entertained at that session, unless the vote is reconsidered.. 


AMENDMENT. 

To Amend was recently changed in the rules of the House of Representatives to 
take precedence over the motion To Postpone Indefinitely, which it formerly equalled. 
An Amendment must be germane, and specific. It is used to change or improve the 
Main Motion. 

There are three methods of amending a motion. 

First — To insert or add words. 

Second — To strike out. 

Third — To substitute or strike out and insert. 

We will presume that the main motion, regarding the club house, is pending^ a 
member rises and says: “Mr. President: I move to amend the motion by inserting 
the word ‘brick’ before club house.” The chair should state the motion with this 
insertion, saying: “It has been moved and seconded to amend the motion by inserting 
the word ‘brick’ before club house. Are you ready for the question? After giving time 
for debate, the motion is put and the affirmative result announced thus: “The ayes 
have it and the amendment is adopted. If there are no other Amendments, the question 
is now on the adoption of the main motion as amended.” (This is stated). The result 
is announced: “The ayes have it and the motion as amended is adopted.” (Reads) 
“Resolved that we build a brick club house on the old site not to cost over fifty thousand 
dollars.” 


THE AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDMENT. 


If the member desires to change the cost of the proposed building, he will rise, 
before the Amendment has been adopted, and say: “Mr. President, I move to amend 
the amendment by striking out the word ‘fifty’ before thousand and inserting thirty.” 
This motion is stated by the chair thus: “It has been moved and seconded to amend 
the Amendment by striking the out word ‘fifty’ and inserting ‘thirty’ before thousand.” 
If the decision is favorable, the chair then puts the question on the adoption of the 
Amendment as amended; then on the adoption of the main motion as amended. “Re¬ 
solved that we build a new brick club house on the old site, not to cost over thirty 
thousand dollars.” The result is announced: “The motion as amended is adopted.” 


A SUBSTITUTE MOTION. 

This may relate to a paragraph or result in an entirely different motion. We will 
again illustrate by the original club house motion and conclude that it is stated. A 
member may move to amend the resolution by striking out the words after “Resolved” 
and substituting the following “that we sell the old club house and build a new brick 
one on Beacon Street.” The chair says: “The question is on the adoption of the sub¬ 
stitute motion. If carried, the chair states the next question thus: The question is 
now on the adoption of the resolution as amended. Resolved that we sell the old club 
house and build a new brick one on Beacon Street.” or, if the motion is lost, the chair 
announces “The amendment is lost and the question before the house is on the adoption 
of the original motion.” But two amendments can be pending at the same time, though, 
after these are disposed of, the main motion may continue to be amended. 


TO REFER TO A COMMITTEE. 

Committees may be appointed by the chair, nominated from the floor and elected 
by acclamation, or by ballot. This motion cannot be postponed or laid on the Table, 
except with the main question. It may be reconsidered. The club may wish to obtain 
more definite information before deciding a question. A simple motion to commit is: 
“Mr. President, I move that the question be referred to a committee of five to be ap¬ 
pointed by the chair and to report at our next meeting.” If the motion is simply to 
refer to a committee, the chair asks, “Do you wish to refer to a special or a standing 
comrnittee?” If special, he asks, “Of how many shall it consist, and how shall they be 
appointed?” and, if the motion is adopted, the chair asks the Secretary to hand the 
resolution to the chairman of that committee, with instructions, if any. 

The chairman calls a committee meeting to discuss the question. A quorum 
(majority) must be present. In small meetings the subject is usually discussed in¬ 
formally and decided without voting; unless someone objects, if so, it must be put to 
vote. 

A simple report is sometimes given verbally as: “Mr. President, your committee, 
appointed to ascertain the relative cost of procuring a private car or a special boat for 
our club picnic, report as follows. A car will cost —^^and a boat — As the cost of 
the boat is less, your committee recommends chartering the boat. I move that the 
recommendation of the committee be adopted.” 

The chair states the motion thus: It has been moved and seconded that the recom¬ 
mendation of the committee ‘that we charter a boat for our annual picnic,’ be adopted. 
If the result is favorable, it is announced thus: “The ayes have it and the resolution 
is adopted,” If the chairman of the committee does not move the adoption of the 
recommendation of the committee, the President says: “If there is no objection the 
report is accepted. What will you do with the recommendation of the Committee?” 
Anyone can move its adoption. If a report contains an amendment, or is in any way 
complicated, it must be written. 


Form of a report containing an amendment (reads): 

‘Mr. President: 

^ Your committee, to whom was referred the resolution, ‘That the club give a musi¬ 
cal, recommends its adoption with the following amendment: That we engage the 
Boston Symphony Orchestra.” 

Respectfully submitted, 

Joseph (or Alice) Lee, Chairman* 

The reader adds: “Mr. President, I move that the amendment, recommended 
by the committee, be adopted,” and hands the report to the Secretary. The chair 
puts the question before the house for debate and decision. If the amendment is 
accepted the club then votes on the main motion as amended. 

Committees are called Standing Committees when appointed for the year. Special 
Committees when appointed for sonae particular purpose, and Committee of the Whole, 
when the assembly resolves itself in a committee to discuss the subject informally, 
without limiting debate. The President appoints a chairman and takes part as one of 
the committee. The motion to adjourn this committee-meeting to the formal one is 
“to rise and report.” The report is made by the chairman and acted on in the usual 
manner. 

If a substitute for the original motion is recommended, the chair puts the motion 
thus, “to substitute as recommended, all after the word ‘Resolved.’ ” If carried, he 
puts the subustitute motion, including the word ‘Resolved’, which replaces the original 
motion. 


DEFINITE POSTPONEMENT. 

This motion usually postpones the question until the next meeting, when it is taken 
up under the head of L^nfinished Business. 

THE PREVIOUS QUESTION. 

This is a motion simply to close debate. A member rises; addresses the chair, and 
says: “I move the Previous Question.” Its adoption requires a two-thirds vote. If 
carried, the chair announces it thus: “The Previous Question is ordered. The question 
now before you is on the adoption of the main motion.” 

TO LAY ON THE TABLE. 

This motion may be applied to all debatable motions; but it is not debatable or 
amendable. The member, who wishes to postpone the decision of the question until 
a later time at that meeting or the next, or to have it forgotten, says: “1 move to lay 
the question, ‘That we join the State Federation of Women’s Clubs,’ on the Table.” 
If carried, the result would be announced thus: “The ayes have it and the motion, 
‘That we join the State Federation of Women’s Clubs,’ is laid on the Table.” 

INCIDENTAL MOTIONS. 

These motions take precedence of the questions from which they arise. 

POINTS OF ORDER. 

It is the duty of the chair to call the member to order for any breech of rule. If 
this is not done, anyone may request it, even if the speaker must be interrupted. The 
proper form of making the motion is: “I rise to a point of order.” The chair then asks 
to have the point of order stated, and decides whether the point is well taken or not, 
which settles the question, unless a member appeals. 


THE APPEAL. 


If dissatisfied, the member may say ‘T appeal from the decision of the chair.” The 
chair then puts the question thus: ‘‘Shall the decision of the chair be sustained?” 
This is debatable. A majority vote is decisive. 

“An appeal cannot be debated when it relates simply to indecorum, or to trans¬ 
gression of the rules of speaking, or to the priority of business, or if made during a 
division of the assembly, or while the immediately pending question is undebatable. 

H. M. ROBERT. 


OBJECTIONS TO CONSIDERATION. 

This motion need not be seconded. It can be made when another has the floor. 
It is undebatable. Its purpose is to dismiss an undesirable proposition. We will 
suppose the following motion has been offered “Resolved that this club go on record 
as against woman suffrage.” A disapproving member may rise and say, “I object to 
the consideration of the question.” The chair puts it to vote thus: “Shall the question 
be considered?” The decision requires a two-thirds vote. The result is announced 
“The ayes have it and we will proceed to consider the question” or “The noes have it 
and the objection is sustained.” 


TO DIVIDE A MOTION. 

This applies only to motions which contain two distinct propositions as “Resolved 
that we buy a new piano and paint the club house.” If the motion to divide prevails, 
the chair says: “The question is on the adoption of the motion Resolved that we buy 
a piano.” When this is disposed of the second proposition is stated. 


TO READ PAPERS. 

This may simply be a request to have some paper or resolution read in explanation 
of a question. If so, the chair should ask the Secretary to read it without a vote, unless 
there is an objection. 


TO SUSPEND RULES. 

The usual rules of procedure may be suspended at any time by a two-thirds vote. 
The one who makes the motion should state the reason, as: “Mr. President, I move to 
suspend the rules and have our program for the day precede the business meeting, 
as one of our essayists must take an early train.” The motion is put. It is decided by 
a two-thirds vote, and, if carried, the order of proceedings is reversed for that day. 


TO WITHDRAW A MOTION. 

If the motion seems to meet with the disproval of the club, as shown by debate, 
the mover may say: “Mr. President, I wish to withdraw my motion.” The chair replies. 
“If there is no objection the motion is withdrawn.” If there is an objection the question 
must be put to vote. 


QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE 

A member may rise and request that all hats be removed. The chair will simply 
ask the members to remove their hats. 


MISCELLANEOUS MOTIONS. 

To take from the Table. 

To Reconsider. 

To Rescind. 

These motions are not used on the chart in building the house as they are simply 
employed to undo work. 


TO TAKE FROM TABLE. 

This motion is in order only during that session or the next. It yields to Privileged 
and Incidental, but not to Subsidiary motions. It is proposed under “New Business.’' 

TO RECONSIDER. 

This motion can be made only on the day the original vote was taken. It must be 
proposed by one who voted on the prevailing side. It agrees with the original motion 
in allowing or denying debate. The proper motion is, “I move to reconsider the vote 
by which the motion was lost (or adopted) 

TO RESCIND OR ANNUL. 

If two late to reconsider, a motion may be rescinded, or cancelled, by a majority 
vote; providing notice of the motion has been given at the previous meeting. It is 
debatable. 

VOTING. 

After stating the motion, the chair, if it is debatable, asks: “Are you ready for 
the question?” This is the time for debating and proposing higher motions. If there 
are none of the latter, the chair states the motion usually as “All in favor say, aye; 
opposed, no;” If the chair, or some member, is in doubt regarding the volume of sound, 
a rising vote, or raising of hands, may be required. The usual way of voting for new 
members or officers is by secret ballot. The tellers are appointed by the chair to pass 
slips of paper, collect and count them; but the result must be announced by the Presi¬ 
dent. The Constitution usually decides the manner of voting for officers. In many 
clubs, time is saved by appointing a nominating committee, who interview prospective 
nominees; obtain their consent, and present a complete list for the approval of the club. 
The President must ask for other nominations from the floor. If there are none, any 
member may say: “Mr. President, I move that the Secretary be empowered to cast one 
affirmative vote voicing the sentiment of the club.” If carried, the Secretary writes 
one affirmative; stands, and presents it to the chair, saying: “I hereby cast a ballot 
signifying the wishes of the club” (reads names). The chair announces that the candi¬ 
dates are unanimously elected. In case of a tie the chair usually votes by simply decid¬ 
ing the motion as lost, or adopted, according to that vote. 

It is customary for each society to adopt its own order of business. If it has not, 
the following is usual, after the meeting has been called to order by the President. 

ORDER OF BUSINESS. 

The President, using the gavel, says: “The meeting will please 
come to order. The Secretary will read the minutes of the previous meeting.” After 
he is seated and the minutes are read, the chair says: “You have heard the reading of 
the minutes. Are there any corrections?” He pauses, then continues — “If none, 
the minutes stand approved.” If any, he announces “The minutes stand approved 
as corrected.” Communications which are read by the Corresponding Secretary for 
information only do not acquire action . If a proposition is made, the chair asks “What 
shall be done with this communication?” It is then treated as any main motion. 


ORDER OF BUSINESS—Continued. 

Reading and approving minutes. 

Roll Call. 

Report of Treasurer. 

Report of chairman of Standing Committees. 

Report of chairman of Special Committees. 

Unfinished Business. 

Communications from the Corresponding Secretary. 

New Business. 

Literary Program or Entertainment. 

Adjournment is usual here, though it is not included in the order; as it may be 
moved at any time. 

OFFICERS. 

The officers necessary are President and Recording Secretary for a temporary 
assembly; but a permanent organization usually adds one or more Vice Presidents, a 
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer. The usual term of office is one year. 

PRESIDENT. 

The President’s duties are to open the meeting promptly at the appointed time; 
to announce the business in the order it is to be acted on; to entitle members to the 
floor; to put questions to vote and announce results; to decide questions of order; to 
have motions accepted by silent consent, when possible, to facilitate business; to be 
a servant of the assembly, and to stretch a parliamentary point, when it will assist in 
a harmonious result. The chair can assist an improper motion, without calling the 
member out of order, by suggesting its proper presentation. The presiding officer 
never calls himself by name, but refers to himself as, “the chair,” or, “your president.” 
He may sit when reading a motion or recognizing a member when addressed; but he 
must stand when he puts a motion to vote. He must appoint some one to his chair if 
he wishes to take part in the debate. 

VICE PRESIDENT. 

In the absence of the President he assumes the chair. Sometimes he has charge 
of some definite department of work. He can assist the chair by starting lagging debate 
and promptly seconded desirable motions. 

RECORDING SECRETARY. 

The Recording Secretary’s chief duty is to take notes of all proceedings and trans¬ 
actions of the assembly, without personal comment or criticism; unless the society 
wishes particular speeches reported. 

The Secretary should carry a memorandum of the order of business, showing 
everything expected to come before the assembly. He has charge of all the papers 
belonging to the club, also a list of members for roll call. If neither the President or 
Vice President is there, the Secretary calls the meeting to order and presides until a 
chairman can be elected. He should be ready to assist the President in bringing to 
his notice any forgotten business. He should not sign his name to the minutes until 
they are approved, then he writes “approved” the date — and signs his name. 

The usual minutes report the date; the place of meeting, the President, (or sub¬ 
stitute) , in the chair, the number of members present, and the acts of the assembly. 

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY. 

This officer reads all letters and communications addressed to the club; writes 
letters of congratulation and condolence at the suggestion of the as^bly; notifies 
incoming officers and new members of election, and advises the members of any special 
meetings. 


THE TREASURER. 


The Treasurer is responsible for the funds of the organization. He settles it’s 
indebtedness only by order from the society or executive committee. He keeps an 
itimized record of money transactions. He always gives an annual report, and at other 
times, if requested to do so. 

THE DUTY OF MEMBERS. 

Much is said about the duties of officers and very little about the duties of mem¬ 
bers; yet, though the officers may be the most efficient and thoughtful, they cannot 
make the club a success without the co-operation of its members. 

An understanding of the most simple rules of parliamentary law enables each mem¬ 
ber to contribute his, or her, share in promoting the wishes of the club. Decided 
opinions should be given in debate and no member who remains silent should criticize 
the decisions of the assembly outside the club room. 

Using a homely illustration, we will liken the club to a machine, with the President 
as engineer. If all the wheels revolve in unison the machine does good work; but if 
one wheel flies off at a tangent, the engineer may try his best to lubricate the others, 
yet the usefulness and efficiency of the whole is impaired. The first requisite for good 
membership is the spirit of loyalty. Petty, personal contentions should be suppressed, 
and the decision of the club should be cheerfully accepted as the will of the majority. 

RECOMMENDATION. 

The following letter explains itself. 

“To whom it may concern: 

This is to certify that Mrs. Wood has had a thorough training in Parlimentary Law 
under my instruction and I consider her most competent to teach this so-called difficult 
science. It gives me pleasure to recommend Mrs. Wood as a teacher to Organizations, 
Universities and Colleges. 

MRS. JOHN F. LEWIS, 

Buffalo, N. Y. 

Teacher of Parliamentary Law in The Department of Practical Arts of the Chau¬ 
tauqua Institution, Chautauqua, N. Y. 


The author wishes to acknowledge her indebtedness to Jefferson’s Manual of Parlia¬ 
mentary Practice, Robert’s Revised Rules of Order, and to Mrs. John F. Lewis, who 
originated the first diagram for teaching parliamentary motions. 

Private instructions will be given to presiding officers and secretaries as well as 
lessons to clubs. 

Address, 

C. ANTOINETTE WOOD. 

Boston, Mass. 


216 Newbury St. 




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